Gyroglider: Role In Training

[asra]

I've never been in a gyroglider, as my training was based on two seat training and then training in my machine.What role does the gyroglider fulfill within training these days? Is it essential, or just a nice to have?What are the benefits?The reason I want to know is because from a club perspective, gyrogliders cost money to run and maintain, tie up resources to run and maintain as well as damage grass runways.I've not experienced the benefits first hand, so any input based on other clubs experiences would be appreciated.Ross B

[NiqueNaque]

Ross,My point on these is that they develop a couple of things, and I'd encourage you to read a post by Greg Mitchell relating to same, about 6 months ago,.They develop your rotor handling skills without the need to manage power.They develop your landing skills and take off, the close ground work is good and improves height judgement.There is more, but I'll post it later - going to bed..Cheers,Nick.

[asra]

NickWe now have two seat training, so why have a glider? What can the glider teach you that a two seater can't. Your going to do 15 hours in a two seater so why is there a need for additional expense of a glider? I don't know of any GA schools that use an old Cessna towed behind a car to train students.Ozyvery attractive image.When's your next Rylstone weekend, I'm hoping to fly over for two days. Working out where to pack the sleeping into the gyro.Ross B

[asra]

To train in a twin costs around $110 an hour ...If you can get a bit of training in a glider it may drop the amount of time needed in a twin. Didn't train in a glider myself, but must surmise that it teaches you all the basics before progressing on to the more expensive twin.Safe Flying ... ding Good judgment comes from experience and experience comes from bad judgment

[mrford61]

quote:Originally posted by RossBWhat role does the gyroglider fulfill within training these days? What are the benefits?None.Maybe a nice social outing.

[NiqueNaque]

Ding, Ozy.I concur.I trained via the Glider because there was no two seater at the time so it is a bit harder to compare notes with those who did it purely via powered gyros.I only began to appreciate throttle management when I was doing the tow driving.It is a good idea to consider the cost of trashing a machine, I know that if a student/instructor stuffs up, the glider will be less expensive and easier to replace.Cheers,Nick.

[asra]

Hmmmmmmmmmm....What about the cost??? What do clubs charge for the use of their gliders/ per run /per landing?I'm just trying to work out what the costs are. RossB

[NiqueNaque]

Ross,The cost was at the time laughable, I could have spent all day out on the glider having fun learning to fly, and to a large extent I did. I think what happens is that the instructors and tow drivers and observers get bored with watching you get it right every time. From memory it was $2.00 a strip and back, or $1.00 per km.Don't forget, you learn quite a bit in a glider without the 'mental overload' of an engine to manage, guages to watch and all the stuff that goes with being in a two seater. When HVGC got the two seater and I had my first go, my head was swiming, despite the fact that I'd got to solo status in the glider and had a reasonable idea of the stick inputs required. The two are absolutely complimentary, if you've had a go in the glider, you are half a pilot when you get to solo in the glider, you are more of a pilot when you take on tow duties and then, when you get into the two seater, apart from managing the engine, you mostly can fly the thing without too much duress.Hope this helps,Nick.

[asra]

The Glider is a very useful tool.Aside from being an economical method of initiating beginners and eliminating the fear of heights factor, it's a bit like learning to Crawl before you learn to Walk and then learning to Walk before you can Run!Unfortunately, it involves a lot of time and effort by volunteer Club Members as there aren't any privately owned and operated Gliders about.Jeff H-S

[Boaty]

Ross, I"m trying to work out what you actually want to know.

[Waddles]

Gidday Ross,When my RAF disappeared from the SEQGC scene last year for a re-build, the only machine available for TIFs and training was the club Glider. That machine kept the club going despite the manpower necessary to run the operation. Newbies are made to feel as though they contribute by being trained and approved as observers and drivers. This also helps in their conversion to powered gyros, especially the drivers who are effectively the power for the glider.The cost from memory was $15 for members and $20 for non-members for 4 "runs" which equates to 8 times across the strip.I have used the glider for students about to solo in their light single place gyro, having been used to the relatively heavy control inputs needed in the RAF. This has been entirely successful with the student commenting favourably.Another fact that has not yet been mentioned is that the gliders do not usually have a rudder at all and if fitted, it is largely ineffective in the air because of the tow rope.It is not unknown for high time glider pilots to have difficulty getting used to this control on powered gyros. Not insurmountable, but something to be aware of.So, in my opinion, gyrogliders can be used as an effective supplement to two place powered training.Regards,Waddles